The Empowered Investor

Keith Matthews

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices and voices in the Canadian financial services industry, The Empowered Investor Podcast can transform your investment experience and increase your odds of becoming financially secure – forever. With his simple, straightforward approach, host Keith Matthews cuts through the noise to help you make better decisions and discover the best investment and planning strategies for you and your family. As a portfolio manager and advisor at Tulett, Matthews & Associates, Keith has spent twenty-five years helping investors achieve their financial goals using the same planning and portfolio principles discussed in The Empowered Investor podcast. Always an advocate for investors, Keith has spoken at global conferences, been quoted in many Canadian newspapers and magazines, and recently published the new and revised 4th edition of his book, The Empowered Investor. To learn more about Keith’s client advisory services or to request a complementary copy of the latest edition of The Empowered Investor, please visit www.tma-invest.com

  1. Give More, Keep More: How to Maximize Your Charitable Impact in Canada

    2d ago

    Give More, Keep More: How to Maximize Your Charitable Impact in Canada

    Donations 101: A Canadian Guide to Tax-Smart Charitable Giving In this episode, Lawrence Greenberg and Jackson Matthews kick off a three-part series on charitable giving in Canada. Lawrence and Jackson break down the different ways to give, how charitable donations affect your taxes, and how to plan strategically around your giving. They cover everything from the basic cash donation to the more powerful — and often overlooked — strategy of gifting securities in kind, which can generate significant tax savings for both the donor and the charity. They also touch on corporate giving, the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), annual donation limits, estate planning opportunities, and offer a preview of two advanced strategies — donor advised funds and flow-through shares — that will be explored in depth in the next two episodes. A must-listen for anyone who wants to be more intentional and tax-efficient with their generosity. Happy listening! Key Topics Covered: Introduction and overview of the three-part series (00:46)Ways to give: time, items, cash, and securities (01:12)How charitable donations affect your taxes — the non-refundable tax credit explained (02:34)Spousal pooling of donation receipts (03:46)Cash donation vs. gifting securities in kind — and why in kind is often more powerful (05:03)Corporate giving from a holding company and the Capital Dividend Account (07:29)The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) — a potential roadblock for large donors (08:37)Annual donation limits and the five-year carry-forward rule (10:06)Year of death exception — increasing your limit to 100% of net income (11:39)Preview: Donor Advised Funds explained at a high level (12:53)Preview: Flow-through shares and their tax advantages (14:13)Key takeaways — including why gifting securities in kind is the low-hanging fruit for non-registered account holders (15:04) Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Feel free to drop us a line at lawrence@tma-invest.com or 514-695-0096 ext.112. Follow Tulett,Matthews & Associates on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, and more! Follow The Empowered Investor on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Thanks for listening!

    17 min
  2. How to Manage the Financial and Emotional Reality of Aging Parents

    May 21

    How to Manage the Financial and Emotional Reality of Aging Parents

    In this episode of the Empowered Investor Podcast, Marcelo Taboada sits down with financial journalist and CFP professional Beth Pinsker to discuss one of the most overlooked areas of financial planning: caregiving for aging parents. Beth shares the deeply personal story behind her book My Mother’s Money and explains why financial caregiving is about far more than estate planning. The conversation explores the emotional, logistical, and financial realities families face when a parent becomes ill or incapacitated, from powers of attorney and healthcare directives to sibling dynamics, long-term care costs, and difficult end-of-life decisions. Marcelo and Beth also discuss the hidden burden caregiving places on families, why early conversations matter, and the practical steps listeners can take today to protect both their parents and their own future caregivers. Key takeaways • Financial caregiving is more than estate planning. (00:05:09) • Why most families avoid these conversations until it’s too late. (00:06:48) • The importance of powers of attorney and healthcare directives. (00:12:00) • Why having passwords alone is no longer enough. (00:16:33) • How banks can reject outdated or incomplete legal documents. (00:22:40) • Why estate documents should be reviewed regularly after major life changes. (00:24:23) • How family meetings can reduce conflict and confusion later on. (00:25:59) • The emotional and financial burden often falls disproportionately on women. (00:27:46) • How sibling dynamics can complicate caregiving and estate decisions. (00:28:05) • Why communication and transparency are critical within families. (00:30:12) • What families tend to fight over most during estate settlements. (00:33:29) • The true cost of aging and long-term care planning. (00:34:10) • Why traditional retirement planning often ignores late-life care realities. (00:34:34) • How healthcare and caregiving costs can quickly escalate. (00:35:16) • The difficult balance between protecting parents and preserving inheritances. (00:39:06) • Why aging at home is emotionally appealing but not always practical. (00:41:17) • How early conversations with parents can improve financial planning outcomes. (00:42:54) • Why housing decisions become central later in retirement. (00:44:24) • The emotional difficulty of downsizing and leaving the family home. (00:45:05) • How caregiving changed Beth’s perspective on retirement and life priorities. (00:49:22) • The importance of documenting family stories and personal history before it’s too late. (00:48:00) • Why simplifying finances is one of the greatest gifts to future caregivers. (00:52:36) • The benefits of consolidating accounts and reducing financial complexity. (00:53:16) Mentioned in this episode: Beth PinskerBook: My Mother’s MoneyBeth Pinsker: MarketWatchMarketWatch Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Feel free to drop us a line at lawrence@tma-invest.com or 514-695-0096 ext.112. Follow Tulett,Matthews & Associates on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, and more! Follow The Empowered Investor on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

    56 min
  3. Run Your Business with Clarity: Operating Systems with Shelby Hacala

    May 7

    Run Your Business with Clarity: Operating Systems with Shelby Hacala

    In this episode, Keith Matthews sits down with Shelby Hacala, Co-Founder of BOS360, to break down how business operating systems can transform the way companies run and grow. They explore why so many entrepreneurs and aspiring business leaders feel stuck or overwhelmed and how implementing the right structure can bring clarity, accountability, and better execution across teams. Shelby shares practical insights on aligning people, setting clear priorities, and building systems that actually drive results. They also discuss the value of coaching, why discipline matters more than motivation, and how small, consistent improvements can lead to major long-term success. If you’re an entrepreneur or aspiring business leader looking to scale your business with more clarity and control, this episode delivers actionable insights you can apply right away. Key moments:Introduction and overview of business operating systems (00:02:56)Shelby Hacala’s entrepreneurial background (00:03:23)Transition from business owner to coach (00:03:23)Why entrepreneurs often feel overwhelmed (00:18:17)The cost of lacking structure in a business (00:18:17)The core components of a strong operating system (00:18:17)Improving communication and alignment within teams (00:25:35)Creating clarity around roles and responsibilities (00:25:35)The importance of setting clear priorities (“rocks”) (00:40:29)How weekly meetings improve execution and accountability (00:43:57)Problem-solving as an ongoing business discipline (00:40:29)The value of having a coach vs doing it alone (00:16:48)Why discipline beats motivation in business growth (00:16:48)Decision-making speed in entrepreneurial vs large organizations (01:00:41)Shifting from financial success to long-term impact (01:01:34) Thanks for Listening! Mentioned in the Episode Shelby HacalaBOS 360Traction Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Feel free to drop us a line at lawrence@tma-invest.com or 514-695-0096 ext.112. Follow Tulett,Matthews & Associates on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, and more! Follow The Empowered Investor on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

    1h 8m
  4. Stop Overthinking, Start Investing: A Guide for Young Canadians in their 20's and 30's

    Apr 22

    Stop Overthinking, Start Investing: A Guide for Young Canadians in their 20's and 30's

    In this episode, Lawrence Greenberg and Jackson Matthews break down how young Canadians in their 20's and 30's should approach investing and building a strong financial foundation. They walk through the biggest challenges beginners face, from information overload to the fear of making mistakes, and explain how to simplify the process. The conversation covers the different ways to start investing, whether through traditional banks, robo-advisors, or DIY platforms, and how to choose the right approach based on your level of involvement. They also explain how to prioritize accounts like the FHSA, TFSA, and RRSP, and why understanding their tax advantages can significantly impact long-term wealth. Beyond that, they highlight the importance of diversification, avoiding stock picking, and keeping fees low. Throughout the episode, the focus remains on building good habits early, staying disciplined, and letting time and compounding do the heavy lifting. Key points from the episode:Why young investors struggle to get started (01:29)Investment options: banks, robo-advisors, and DIY platforms (02:12)How robo-advisors like Wealthsimple simplify investing (03:00)DIY investing and the role of ETFs (04:00)Introduction to the FHSA and how it works (06:28)Why the FHSA is a powerful “hybrid” account (06:38)Understanding the TFSA and its flexibility (08:39)Long-term power of tax-free growth in a TFSA (10:02)How RRSP contribution room works (11:16)Tax benefits and income optimization with RRSPs (12:38)Employer matching and why it’s free money (13:29)When to use a non-registered account (16:05)Why stock picking underperforms the market (18:15)What the SPIVA report reveals about active management (19:22)The power of starting early and compounding (21:46)How fees impact long-term returns (24:04)Final takeaway: build habits, stay disciplined, and think long term (25:59) Thanks for Listening! Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Feel free to drop us a line at lawrence@tma-invest.com or 514-695-0096 ext.112. Follow Tulett,Matthews & Associates on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, and more! Follow The Empowered Investor on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

    28 min
  5. Nicolas Bérubé: 17 Lessons for Canadian Investors

    Apr 9

    Nicolas Bérubé: 17 Lessons for Canadian Investors

    In this episode, Marcelo Taboada sits down with Nicolas Bérubé to discuss his latest book L’art de multiplier son argent : 17 leçons pour réussir en bourse (The Art of Multiplying Your Money: 17 Lessons for Success in the Stock Market). Together, they break down the key lessons every investor should understand to build long-term success in the stock market. Nicolas brings deep expertise in wealth management and financial planning, with a strong focus on helping families make thoughtful, long-term decisions. He is also the author of three books and a regular personal finance columnist for La Presse, where he shares practical insights with a broad audience. His work has been published in multiple languages (primarily French and English), reflecting his broad reach with readers interested in practical personal finance. Known for his disciplined approach and ability to simplify complex financial concepts, Nicolas has built a reputation for delivering clear, client-centered advice that aligns strategy with real-world goals. Overall, this episode is a reminder that successful investing is not about complexity, but about consistency and avoiding common mistakes. Key points:Introduction to Nicolas Bérubé and his book (00:40)Why he wrote L’art de multiplier son argent : 17 leçons pour réussir en bourse (05:56)The main lessons behind the book (05:30)Market timing and common investing myths (22:54)Why starting early makes a difference (23:49)The importance of diversification (04:00)ETFs and building a simple portfolio (04:00)Investor psychology and behavioral biases (04:00)Why beating the market is so difficult (12:14)The impact of fees on returns (36:13)Dividend investing explained (37:25)Risks of chasing popular sectors (47:58)Why “boring” companies often outperform (49:44)The role of bonds in a portfolio (43:31)Final takeaway: discipline and simplicity win long term (50:30) Mentioned in this episode: One Hundred Years in the U.S. Stock MarketsL’Investisseur Transforme podcastNicolas Berube weekly article in LaPresseBook: Les millionnaires ne sont pas ceux que vous croyez, Nicolas BérubéBook: De zéro à millionaire: investir en bourse sans souffrir, Nicolas BérubéBook: Millionaire Next Door, Thomas J. Stanley Ph.D., William D. Danko Ph.DBook: Zero to Millionaire. A simple, effective and stress-free way to invest in the stock market, Nicolas BérubéBook: L'art de multiplier son argent: 17 leçons pour réussir en bourse, Nicolas BérubéBook: Die with Zero, Bill Perkins Thanks for Listening! Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Feel free to drop us a line at lawrence@tma-invest.com or 514-695-0096 ext.112. Follow Tulett,Matthews & Associates on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, and more! Follow The Empowered Investor on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

    1h 8m
  6. Staying the Course: Investing Through War & Uncertainty

    Mar 24

    Staying the Course: Investing Through War & Uncertainty

    In this episode, Keith Matthews and Jackson Matthews take a step back to help investors make sense of market volatility during periods of geopolitical tension, focusing on the current situation in the Middle East. They walk through what has been happening in the markets so far in 2026, starting with a strong beginning to the year followed by a noticeable pullback as uncertainty increased. They explain how disruptions in oil supply are influencing inflation expectations and why this matters for interest rates, stock valuations, and the broader economy. By putting today’s events into historical context, they show that while every conflict feels unique in the moment, markets have consistently demonstrated resilience over time. The conversation also challenges the instinct to react or make sudden portfolio changes during uncertain periods. Through real data and long-term evidence, they highlight how trying to time the market often leads to weaker results, especially when investors miss key recovery days. Instead, the focus remains on maintaining discipline, staying invested, and following a clear long-term plan. Overall, this episode is a reminder that while short-term uncertainty is unavoidable, long-term success in investing comes from consistency, diversification, and the ability to stay grounded when markets become volatile. Key points:Introduction to the episode and Jackson Matthews’ role at the firm. (00:38)Overview of recent geopolitical conflicts and their impact on investors. (01:46)Market performance in early 2026: strong start followed by correction. (03:25)Peak-to-trough declines across major global indices. (05:00)Why markets are reacting: oil supply shocks and inflation fears. (06:27)The strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and global oil flow. (06:50)Inflation implications and potential central bank responses. (09:17)Risk of stagflation and economic slowdown scenarios. (10:27)Economist expectations: recession probabilities and inflation outlook. (11:00)Historical analysis of 19 military conflicts and market performance. (12:24)Average market returns and drawdowns following geopolitical events. (13:00)Why markets tend to recover despite uncertainty and conflict. (14:02)The myth of timing the market during crises. (15:59)Evidence against tactical asset allocation strategies. (17:13)The impact of missing the best days in the market. (20:32)Importance of staying invested during volatile periods. (22:11)Long-term investing discipline and portfolio strategy. (23:34)Final takeaway: control behavior, stay diversified, and think long-term. (24:08) Thanks for Listening! Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Feel free to drop us a line at lawrence@tma-invest.com or 514-695-0096 ext.112. Follow Tulett,Matthews & Associates on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, and more! Follow The Empowered Investor on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

    26 min
  7. Tax Time Made Simple: Your 2025 Canadian Filing Guide

    Mar 19

    Tax Time Made Simple: Your 2025 Canadian Filing Guide

    In this episode of The Empowered Investor Podcast, Keith Matthews and Andrea LeRoyer break down how to approach tax season with clarity and structure. From key deadlines to recent tax changes, they walk through what actually matters when preparing your return. The discussion goes beyond basic compliance, highlighting how organization, awareness of credits, and proactive planning can materially impact your after-tax outcomes. They also cover practical frameworks, including what documents you’ll receive, what you need to track down, and how different life situations, from students to retirees, affect your tax strategy. This episode offers a structured approach to navigating tax season efficiently while avoiding missed opportunities and costly oversights, an essential listen for anyone serious about managing their financial life with discipline and foresight. Key Topics: ● April 30 = main filing & payment deadline. (00:02:56) ● Self-employed file later, but must pay by April 30. (00:03:08) ● Most tax slips arrive by late February. (00:04:25) ● Trust slips may delay filing into March/April. (00:04:43) ● First tax bracket reduced to 14%. (00:05:15) ● Some tax credits slightly reduced in value. (00:05:53) ● New/expanded benefits: grocery, disability. (00:06:35) ● Non-compliant short-term rentals lose deductions. (00:08:58) ● Digital news credit eliminated. (00:09:36) ● Underused housing tax removed. (00:09:55) ● Organize: income slips, assessments, installments. (00:11:14) ● Track manually: childcare, tuition, medical, donations. (00:15:12) ● Home office = prorated expense deductions. (00:18:20) ● Students should file to unlock credits & benefits. (00:20:47) ● First-time homebuyers eligible for tax credits. (00:22:32) ● Families gain access to child-related benefits. (00:23:48) ● Seniors benefit from multiple targeted credits. (00:25:28) ● Pension income splitting can reduce taxes. (00:32:20) ● Tax planning is year-round, not seasonal. (00:35:38) Thanks for Listening! Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Feel free to drop us a line at lawrence@tma-invest.com or 514-695-0096 ext.112. Follow Tulett,Matthews & Associates on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, and more! Follow The Empowered Investor on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

    37 min
  8. Should I Buy Gold? Returns, Risks & Portfolio Strategy

    Feb 19

    Should I Buy Gold? Returns, Risks & Portfolio Strategy

    What’s behind the recent surge in gold prices and should you reconsider gold as part of your investment portfolio? Is gold truly a safe haven, or is it riskier than most people think? How does gold stack up against stocks, bonds, and real estate over the long term? These are the questions we answer in today’s episode. Hosts Keith Matthews and Marcelo Taboada break down gold’s true performance, risk profile, and role within a diversified portfolio. They compare gold to stocks, bonds, and real estate, drawing on decades of data to examine returns, volatility, and long-term outcomes. They explore why many investors already hold gold without realizing it and challenge common myths about golds ability to protect against inflation. This episode is ideal for investors feeling the FOMO around gold, anyone questioning if gold should have a “line item” in their portfolio, and those who want clarity on how gold fits with their broader financial goals. Tune in for clear, evidence-based answers on whether chasing headline gains in gold is a sound investment strategy. Key Topics: ● Welcome and episode setup: Gold’s current hype and listener pain points (00:01) ● Gold’s recent returns and the psychology driving investor FOMO (01:49) ● Geopolitics, government debt, and the “apocalypse narrative” (02:47) ● Price history: Gold’s massive surge in recent years (03:08) ● The physical and historical properties of gold - why it captured value for 6,000+ years (04:06) ● Modern demand drivers: Jewelry, technology, central bank reserves, investor sentiment (04:49) ● Gold as investment: Why isn’t it a productive asset? (06:07) ● Opportunity cost explained - what you give up when investing in gold (06:50) ● 30-year and 220-year returns: Gold vs. stocks, TSX, and Canadian home prices (07:57) ● Volatility myth busting: Is gold less risky than equities? (09:33) ● Gold and inflation: Does it reliably protect purchasing power? (10:54) ● Decade-by-decade: When gold outpaced inflation, and when it didn’t (12:37) ● Vivid history: Keith Matthews’s memories of the 1970s gold boom and bust (13:27) ● Recent performance: Gold vs. S&P 500 from 2018–2024 (15:28) ● Portfolio construction: The All-Weather and Permanent Portfolio models (16:39) ● John Bogle’s perspective: Gold is speculative, not productive (18:07) ● Gold exposure in the TSX and why Canadian investors may already own enough (19:14) ● TMA’s evidence-based philosophy: Diversification, discipline, and productive assets (21:36) ● Final takeaways on resisting hype, focusing on what you can control (22:27) Thanks for Listening! Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Feel free to drop us a line at lawrence@tma-invest.com or 514-695-0096 ext.112. Follow Tulett,Matthews & Associates on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, and more! Follow The Empowered Investor on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

    25 min

About

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices and voices in the Canadian financial services industry, The Empowered Investor Podcast can transform your investment experience and increase your odds of becoming financially secure – forever. With his simple, straightforward approach, host Keith Matthews cuts through the noise to help you make better decisions and discover the best investment and planning strategies for you and your family. As a portfolio manager and advisor at Tulett, Matthews & Associates, Keith has spent twenty-five years helping investors achieve their financial goals using the same planning and portfolio principles discussed in The Empowered Investor podcast. Always an advocate for investors, Keith has spoken at global conferences, been quoted in many Canadian newspapers and magazines, and recently published the new and revised 4th edition of his book, The Empowered Investor. To learn more about Keith’s client advisory services or to request a complementary copy of the latest edition of The Empowered Investor, please visit www.tma-invest.com

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